penetrable

[pen-i-truh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being penetrated.

Other Word Forms

• penetrability noun
• penetrableness noun
• penetrably adverb
• nonpenetrability noun
• nonpenetrable adjective
• nonpenetrably adverb
• self-penetrability noun
• transpenetrable adjective
• unpenetrable adjective
• unpenetrably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrable¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin penetrābilis, equivalent to penetrā ( re ) to penetrate + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

As last weekend’s tightrope walk shows, the site remains penetrable.

From Los Angeles Times

"Since the bacteria are living organisms, over time they developed a resistance, in the form of a less penetrable membrane, to traditional disinfectants," Sánchez explained.

From Science Daily

"The inviolability of the royal harem, penetrable only by the emperor - housing glorious and untouchable women… was meant to be proof of his near divinity," Lal writes.

From BBC

And then there are steel ceilings, ones that are not penetrable, no matter what skills, education or work ethic a person brings.

From Washington Post

It also sends a message that Iran’s most sensitive nuclear site is “penetrable,” he added.

From Washington Times